Test Price
600 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Immunohistochemistry Arginase-1 Test in UAE – 600 AED – DHA-Certified Tissue Biopsy Analysis
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO 9001:2015 Accredited Processing (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139). Validated against CAP/ASCO immunohistochemistry proficiency standards with AI-assisted digital pathology verification.
Secure Medical Courier Solid Tissue Specimen Retrieval for FFPE blocks and biopsy slides. Temperature-controlled transport at controlled room temperature with ISO-certified cold-chain logistics.
Telephonic Post-Test Clinical Guidance for result interpretation by DHA-licensed specialists. Comprehensive report correlation with provided histopathology findings.
Direct Billing Verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731. Seamless coordination with major UAE insurance providers for pre-authorization.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Immunohistochemistry Arginase-1 Test is a definitive tissue-based diagnostic assay that detects the expression of Arginase-1 enzyme in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor specimens, serving as the gold-standard immunomarker for confirming hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) origin with exceptional specificity exceeding 96%.
This test is clinically indicated when histopathological evaluation requires differentiation between primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinomas from other primary sites, including cholangiocarcinoma, metastatic colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and gastric carcinoma. Arginase-1 demonstrates superior sensitivity compared to HepPar-1 in poorly differentiated HCC variants, making it the preferred single-marker immunostain in the DHA Oncology Diagnostic Protocol.
Clinical Utility Across Specialists
- •Oncologists: Confirm HCC diagnosis to guide systemic therapy selection including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy regimens.
- •Surgical Pathologists: Definitive immunophenotyping of liver mass biopsies and resection specimens for accurate pathological staging.
- •Hepatologists: Surveillance and diagnostic workup of liver nodules in cirrhotic patients under DHA-mandated HCC screening programs.
| Parameter | Our Test – Arginase-1 IHC | Closest Alternative – Serum AFP |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Precision | 96–99% Specificity for HCC; tissue-level resolution | 60–70% Sensitivity; elevated in non-malignant conditions (cirrhosis, hepatitis) |
| Methodology | Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on FFPE – direct visualization of antigen in tumor cells | Serum Chemiluminescent Immunoassay – indirect circulating biomarker measurement |
| Turnaround Time | 5–7 Days (Block/Tissue Biopsy) | 1–3 Days (routine); lacks tissue diagnostic value |
| Clinical Actionability | Definitive – confirms tissue of origin; guides surgical and oncological decisions | Supportive – requires confirmatory imaging and biopsy; cannot differentiate primary from metastatic |
| UAE Regulatory Status | DHA-Approved • ISO 9001:2015 • PDPL Compliant | DHA-Approved screening adjunct; not a standalone diagnostic |
| Price (AED) | 600 AED | 150–300 AED |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor DHA Registration ID: 61713011 – "The Arginase-1 immunostain is an indispensable tool in modern hepatopathology. I counsel my patients that a positive result, when correlated with compatible histomorphology and clinical context, provides near-certain confirmation of hepatocellular origin. However, no single immunomarker should be interpreted in isolation; a comprehensive panel approach including glypican-3, HepPar-1, and CK19 ensures diagnostic accuracy, particularly in poorly differentiated tumors where immunophenotypic aberrancy may occur."
"Patients must understand that immunohistochemistry results require integration with full histopathological assessment, imaging findings, and clinical history. I strongly advise against self-interpretation of pathology reports and encourage all patients to schedule a dedicated consultation with their treating oncologist or hepatologist for comprehensive result explanation and treatment planning."
Critical Medication Advisory
Do Not Alter Your Treatment Without Physician Consultation
Do not discontinue any prescribed medication, alter your treatment regimen, or delay scheduled oncology appointments based on Arginase-1 IHC results without consulting your treating physician. Immunohistochemistry results are one component of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and must be interpreted within the full clinical context by a DHA-licensed specialist.
Safety Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
Exclusion Criteria for Specimen Submission
- ✗ Inadequately fixed tissue (insufficient formalin exposure time – minimum 6 hours required for optimal antigen preservation).
- ✗ Decalcified specimens (acid-based decalcification destroys Arginase-1 antigenicity; EDTA-based decalcification only).
- ✗ Necrotic tumor tissue with less than 10% viable tumor cells – may yield false-negative results.
- ✗ Missing histopathology report, biopsy site documentation, or clinical history – specimen will be rejected per DHA pathology standards.
- ✗ Frozen tissue sections without prior formalin fixation and paraffin embedding – IHC validation performed exclusively on FFPE material.
Emergency Red Flags – Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- ⚠ Acute abdominal pain with distension, fever, or jaundice – may indicate tumor rupture or biliary obstruction.
- ⚠ Hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (black tarry stools) – possible variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.
- ⚠ Acute mental status changes or confusion – may indicate hepatic encephalopathy requiring urgent evaluation.
- ⚠ Sudden shortness of breath or pleuritic chest pain – rule out pulmonary embolism or malignant pleural effusion.
- ⚠ Uncontrolled bleeding or bruising – potential coagulopathy secondary to liver dysfunction.
Important: This test is performed on previously collected tumor tissue specimens. Patients do not undergo any additional invasive procedure for this specific test. For any concerning symptoms, proceed to the nearest DHA-licensed emergency department immediately. This safety information is provided in compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the Arginase-1 Immunohistochemistry test used for, and why has my doctor ordered it?
The Arginase-1 immunohistochemistry test is a specialized tissue stain that definitively identifies whether a liver tumor originated from liver cells (hepatocellular carcinoma) or spread from another organ. Your doctor has ordered this test because standard microscopic examination of your biopsy could not conclusively determine the tumor's origin. Arginase-1 is an enzyme highly expressed in normal and malignant hepatocytes, making it one of the most reliable markers for confirming primary liver cancer. This distinction is critical because treatment protocols for hepatocellular carcinoma differ substantially from those for metastatic cancers – determining the correct origin directly influences chemotherapy selection, surgical planning, eligibility for liver transplantation, and overall prognosis. The test is performed on the same biopsy tissue already collected, requiring no additional procedures from you.
2. How should I prepare for the Arginase-1 IHC test, and are there any medications I need to stop?
No patient preparation, fasting, medication adjustments, or lifestyle changes are required because this test is performed exclusively on previously collected tumor tissue specimens in the laboratory. Unlike blood tests or imaging studies, Arginase-1 immunohistochemistry does not involve any direct patient intervention – the analysis is conducted on the tissue block already obtained during your biopsy procedure. There are no dietary restrictions, no need to pause anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, and no requirement to adjust your current treatment regimen. The pre-test requirements solely involve administrative documentation: your referring physician must provide a copy of the original histopathology report, specify the exact biopsy site, and submit a comprehensive clinical history including the indication for testing. If your tissue specimen was collected at another facility, our logistics team can coordinate block retrieval through our ISO-certified secure courier service – simply contact us via WhatsApp to arrange seamless transfer.
3. What do my Arginase-1 test results mean, and how reliable are they for confirming liver cancer?
A positive Arginase-1 result strongly indicates the tumor originated from liver cells (hepatocellular carcinoma) with a diagnostic specificity exceeding 96%, making it among the most reliable single markers available. A positive result means the tumor cells express Arginase-1 enzyme, which is characteristic of hepatocellular differentiation. This finding, when correlated with compatible histomorphology, provides near-definitive confirmation of HCC. A negative result does not automatically exclude HCC – poorly differentiated tumors may show reduced or absent Arginase-1 expression, necessitating additional immunomarkers such as glypican-3 and HepPar-1 for comprehensive evaluation. Your final pathology report will integrate Arginase-1 results with all other immunohistochemical stains, morphological features, and clinical data to generate a conclusive diagnosis. We provide complimentary telephonic post-test clinical guidance with our DHA-licensed pathologists to help you and your referring physician interpret the complete report within your clinical context. Results should never be interpreted in isolation – always review them with your treating oncologist or hepatologist.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
DHA Facility License
1143 – Dubai Health Authority
ISO Certification
ISO 9001:2015 (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139)
Legal Framework
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL) • Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on Health ICT
ICD-10-CM Codes
C22.0 • C22.9 • Z12.89
LOINC: 50595-8 – Microscopic Observation [Identifier] in Tissue by Immunohistochemistry Stain • Methodology: IHC with AI-Assisted Digital Pathology Validation • Reviewed by Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Immunohistochemistry Arginase-1 (IHC) – Tissue Biopsy Analysis |
| Price (AED) | 600 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 5–7 Days from specimen receipt |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Tissue Block or Tumor Tissue in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin-Saline |
| Methodology Used | Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with AI-Assisted Digital Pathology Verification |
| ICD-10-CM Code | C22.0, C22.9, Z12.89 |
| LOINC Code | 50595-8 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License: 1143 • Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE – DNA Labs UAE |
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